St Mirren midfielder Paul McGowan looks to make point against former club Celtic

Of the six seasons Paul McGowan was contracted to Celtic, only four of them
were spent as a Parkhead player.

Up for the Cup: St Mirren's David Graham Carey (right) celebrates his goal against Hamilton with team-mate Paul McGowan (left)Photo: PA

By Ewing Grahame

10:45PM GMT 18 Jan 2012

Loan spells with Morton, Hamilton Accies and St Mirren, who signed him on a permanent contract six months ago, contrived to make his career with the Hoops a stop-start affair.

Even so, and in spite of the limited opportunities he was offered at Parkhead (three starts under as many managers), he remains a supporter of the club.

Last month, after notching the decisive goal in the 2-1 victory over Rangers, he was inundated with congratulatory text messages from like-minded friends. He suspects, though, that a repeat performance when Celtic visit on Saturday will not be so well received.

“Scoring the winner against Celtic would almost be sweeter than the one against Rangers,” said McGowan, speaking to publicise ESPN’s live coverage of the lunchtime kick-off.

“At the end of the day, as long as St Mirren get the three points that’s the main thing. It’s not about me scoring… but it would be nice. I don’t feel as if I’ve got a point to prove. I’ve just knuckled down and got on with this season. I’ve been happy with my performances.

“I look to go out and be the best man on the pitch regardless of who we play against. It could be Dunfermline, Hibs or whoever. The fact it’s Celtic just adds a bit of spice, as does the fact it’s on ESPN for the nation to watch.

“My dad, Gerry, is a Celtic fan but he just wants me to do well. If St Mirren win he’ll be happy for me. My pals might be more upset but we’re going out for the win and if I score the goal I’ll be happy.

“Dad will be in the St Mirren end and I think he’ll be delighted if we win.”

McGowan dismissed suggestions of a rift between himself and Celtic manager Neil Lennon, who agreed to terminate his contract last summer.

“I think Neil appreciated me: in fact, I’m sure he did,” he said. “We got on well. I don’t have a bad word to say about him and we left on good terms.”

St Mirren are close to agreeing a deal to sign forward Dougie Imrie from Hamilton Acadmical.

Dundee United had made a £25,000 offer for the 28 year-old last week, but a move to Tannadice now looks unlikely.